Tractor testing

The FTMTA notes the intention by the RSA and Department of Transport to introduce a roadworthiness testing regime for T5 tractors (tractors designed to travel at speeds in excess of 40km/h) engaged mainly in commercial road haulage. It is the view of the association that the number of tractors affected by this move will be relatively small, as most such machines are used primarily for agricultural (including forestry) work and will be exempt from the test.

Clarity will be key and the FTMTA calls on State agencies to be clear in the language used to define the type of use and user requiring a test. The FTMTA does not wish to see a situation whereby users mainly engaged in agricultural work, either on their own account as farmers or for hire as agricultural contractors, are included in a road testing regime which the relevant EU directive never intended that they be subject to. The association has requested a meeting with the RSA to discuss the implementation of any proposed test in detail.

It is important that sight not be lost of the fact that the scope of the proposed test is limited in nature and will have no bearing on tractors not designed to travel at over 40km/h, which in itself means that the vast majority of tractors on Irish farms will not be subject to testing.

In addition, any tractor capable of speeds over 40km/h but used primarily for agricultural work will not be included in the testing programme.

TAMS for tillage

The FTMTA has welcomed the introduction of the long-awaited TAMS II Tillage Scheme. The original TAMS II measures announced during 2015 did not make any provision for the tillage sector and this omission was widely criticised at the time and since.

The reality is that the considerable delay in announcing this scheme at a particularly challenging time for the tillage sector has had a detrimental effect on many aspects of the tillage equipment trade, with customers postponing certain purchase decisions pending the announcement of grant measures.

It is to be hoped that the grant process runs in a smooth fashion to support purchase decisions.

The stated objectives of the scheme are to facilitate the tillage sector to develop a targeted and precise approach focusing on environmental dividends, efficiency and growth, while improving competitiveness and contributing to the improvement of agricultural incomes.

The investments eligible for grant aid under the scheme seem well positioned to deliver on those objectives with a notable focus on the new technologies available to tillage farmers.